Light control sheet and method for manufacturing light control sheet

Abstract

To improve the design of a light control sheet. A first transparent electrode layer (12A), a second transparent electrode layer (12B), a light control layer (11), a first transparent support layer (13A) having a support surface (130) that supports the first transparent electrode layer (12A), and a second transparent support layer (13B) are provided. The first transparent electrode layer (12A) includes a drive electrode element (30) and a floating electrode element (31). The drive electrode element (30) and the floating electrode element (31) are different layered bodies arranged along the support surface (130) and are electrically insulated from each other by a groove (120) extending along the support surface (130). The depth direction of the groove (120) is the thickness direction of the first transparent electrode layer (12A). The groove (120) has a depth that penetrates the first transparent electrode layer (12A) but does not penetrate the first transparent support layer (13A).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a light transmittance-variable light regulating sheet and a manufacturing method of a light regulating sheet. BACKGROUND

[0002] A light regulating sheet has a light regulating layer containing a liquid crystal composition and a pair of transparent electrode layers sandwiching the light regulating layer. A drive voltage is applied between the pair of transparent electrode layers. The orientation state of liquid crystal molecules changes depending on the potential difference between the transparent electrode layers, whereby the light transmittance of the light regulating sheet changes. For example, when the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is along the thickness direction of the light regulating layer, the light regulating sheet is colorless and transparent, and the light transmittance of the light regulating sheet is high. On the other hand, when the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is crossed with the thickness direction of the light regulating layer, light is scattered within the light regulating layer, and the light transmittance of the light regulating sheet is low (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-45135 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] A light regulating sheet is attached to a member that separates a space, such as a window glass, a partition, or the like, a building material, or a window glass of a vehicle, and is used as a part of such a member. In recent years, in order to improve the added value of the light regulating sheet, the design property of the light regulating sheet has been focused on. The design property of the light regulating sheet is improved, which can greatly expand the application range of the light regulating sheet, and can create new demands for a light-regulated space. Therefore, development of a light regulating sheet having improved design property is required.

[0008] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0009] One embodiment provides a light regulating sheet. The light regulating sheet includes a first transparent electrode layer, a second transparent electrode layer, a light regulating layer between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, a first transparent support layer on the opposite side of the light regulating layer from the first transparent electrode layer and having a support surface that supports the first transparent electrode layer, and a second transparent support layer on the opposite side of the light regulating layer from the second transparent electrode layer. The first transparent electrode layer includes a first electrode element and a second electrode element, the first electrode element and the second electrode element are different layers arranged along the support surface, and are electrically insulated from each other by a groove extending along the support surface. The depth direction of the groove is the thickness direction of the first transparent electrode layer. The groove has a depth that penetrates the first transparent electrode layer but does not penetrate the first transparent support layer.

[0010] Another aspect provides a method of manufacturing a light control sheet. The method of manufacturing a light control sheet includes: a step of forming a groove having a depth that penetrates the first transparent electrode layer but does not penetrate the first transparent support layer, by cutting into the first transparent electrode layer and the first transparent support layer from the first transparent electrode layer side, in a laminate including the first transparent support layer and the first transparent electrode layer supported by the first transparent support layer; a step of forming a first electrode element and a second electrode element formed by the groove in the first transparent electrode layer; and a step of providing a light control layer between the laminate in which the groove is formed and a laminate including a second transparent support layer and a second transparent electrode layer supported by the second transparent support layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a front view of a general light control sheet of an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a light control sheet of the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a light control sheet of the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a cross-sectional structure of a light control sheet of the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 is a SEM photograph showing a cross-sectional structure of a light control sheet of the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating one step included in a method of manufacturing a light control sheet of the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 is a front view of a light control sheet in a non-driven state of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 is a front view of a light control sheet in a driven state of a modification example.

[0019] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a light control sheet of the modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the drawings and detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings are sometimes not to scale, and the relative dimensions, proportions, and showings of the elements in the drawings are sometimes exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

[0021] REFERENCE Figures 1-6An embodiment of a dimming disc and a method for manufacturing a dimming disc will be described. The dimming disc 10 of this embodiment is of a common type in which the light transmittance decreases due to the scattering of incident light in the area to which the dimming disc is driven when no voltage signal is applied, and increases due to the application of a voltage signal to the dimming disc 10.

[0022] [Dimming filter]

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the dimming plate 10 has a first surface 11F and a second surface 11R opposite to the first surface 11F. The dimming plate 10 has a driving region 20 and a non-driving region 21.

[0024] The driving region 20 is the region where the electrode element, namely the driving electrode element 30, is located when the dimming disc 10 is driven. The transmittance of the driving region 20 changes according to the applied voltage signal to the driving electrode element 30. The driving electrode element 30 is an example of a first electrode element.

[0025] The non-driven region 21 includes a floating region 22 and a boundary region 23 surrounding the floating region 22. The floating region 22 is the area where the electrode element 31, which is not subjected to a voltage signal when the dimming disc 10 is driven, is located. The floating electrode element 31 is an example of a second electrode element. The boundary region 23 is located between the driven region 20 and the floating region 22 and has a closed frame shape surrounding the floating region 22. The electrode element is not located in the boundary region 23. The transmittance of the non-driven region 21 does not change when the dimming disc 10 is driven or not driven.

[0026] The non-driving area 21 causes the dimming disc 10 to display a pattern. The pattern may be, for example, one or a combination of text, numbers, symbols, graphics, pictures, patterns, etc. Additionally, Figure 1 The dimming strip 10 shown is configured to display a star-shaped pattern, but the dimming strip 10 may also have multiple non-driven regions 21 that are separated from each other. That is, the dimming strip 10 may also have multiple boundary regions 23 that form closed regions.

[0027] Connection region 24 is a region for applying voltage signals to drive region 20, and external wiring 25 is connected to connection region 24. Connection region 24 is adjacent to drive region 20. The location of connection region 24 in dimming disc 10 is not particularly limited. Connection region 24 may be located, for example, at a corner of dimming disc 10.

[0028] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view along line II-II shows the cross-sectional structure of the dimming disc 10 in the driving region 20 and the connecting region 24. Additionally, Figure 2The thickness ratios of the layers in the diagram are for illustrative purposes only and are not limited to a specific ratio. Figure 2 The thickness ratio shown.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the dimming film 10 includes a dimming layer 11, a first transparent electrode layer 12A, a second transparent electrode layer 12B, a first transparent support layer 13A, and a second transparent support layer 13B. The dimming layer 11 is sandwiched between the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B. The first transparent support layer 13A supports the first transparent electrode layer 12A via a support surface 130 on the opposite side of the dimming layer 11 relative to the first transparent electrode layer 12A. The second transparent support layer 13B supports the second transparent electrode layer 12B on the opposite side of the dimming layer 11 relative to the second transparent electrode layer 12B. Furthermore, the dimming layer 11 can be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. A multi-layer dimming layer 11 can include a functional layer with dimming function and a thin layer that improves the adhesion between the functional layer and the first transparent electrode layer 12A, and between the functional layer and the second transparent electrode layer 12B.

[0030] Furthermore, the dimming plate 10 includes a protective layer 44. The protective layer 44 is located on the opposite side of the first transparent electrode layer 12A relative to the first transparent support layer 13A. The protective layer 44 is fixed to the first transparent support layer 13A via an adhesive layer (not shown).

[0031] The first surface 11F of the dimming sheet 10 is the side of the protective layer 44 opposite to the side facing the first transparent support layer 13A. The second surface 11R of the dimming sheet 10 is the side of the second transparent support layer 13B opposite to the side facing the second transparent electrode layer 12B. The second surface 11R is adhered to a transparent plate made of glass, resin, or the like via an adhesive layer (not shown). The transparent plate can be, for example, window glass in various buildings such as residences, shops, stations, and airports; partitions in offices; shop windows; or window glass and windshields in moving vehicles such as vehicles and airplanes. The surfaces of the transparent plate can be flat or curved.

[0032] The connection region 24 includes a first connection region 24A connected to an external wiring 25 for applying a voltage signal to the first transparent electrode layer 12A, and a second connection region 24B connected to an external wiring 25 for applying a voltage signal to the second transparent electrode layer 12B.

[0033] The first connection region 24A is a region in which the light adjusting layer 11, the second transparent electrode layer 12B, and the second transparent support layer 13B are not present, and the first transparent electrode layer 12A is exposed. The first transparent electrode layer 12A exposed in the first connection region 24A is connected to the first terminal portion 50A. That is, the drive electrode element 30 extends from the drive region 20 to the first connection region 24A, and the first terminal portion 50A is connected to the drive electrode element 30 in the first connection region 24A.

[0034] The second connection region 24B is a region in which the light adjusting layer 11, the first transparent electrode layer 12A, the first transparent support layer 13A, and the protective layer 44 are not present, and the second transparent electrode layer 12B is exposed. The second transparent electrode layer 12B exposed in the second connection region 24B is connected to the second terminal portion 50B. That is, the drive electrode element 30 extends from the drive region 20 to the second connection region 24B, and the second terminal portion 50B is connected to the drive electrode element 30 in the second connection region 24B.

[0035] The external wiring 25 extends from the first terminal portion 50A and the second terminal portion 50B, respectively, and the external wiring 25 is connected to the control portion 50. The control portion 50 applies a voltage signal to the drive electrode element 30 of the first transparent electrode layer 12A via the first terminal portion 50A and applies a voltage signal to the second transparent electrode layer 12B via the second terminal portion 50B. Thus, the control portion 50 controls the potential difference between the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B in the drive region 20. The second transparent electrode layer 12B is controlled to, for example, a ground potential. The light adjusting device is configured by the light adjusting sheet 10 and the control portion 50.

[0036] The light adjusting layer 11 has a transparent polymer layer and a liquid crystal composition. The transparent polymer layer has a void for filling the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition is filled in the void of the transparent polymer layer. The liquid crystal composition contains liquid crystal molecules. A material of the liquid crystal composition can use a publicly known material. One example of the liquid crystal molecules is any one selected from the group consisting of a Schiff base, an azo, an azoxy, a biphenyl, a terphenyl, a benzoate, a diphenylacetylene, a pyrimidine, a cyclohexane carboxylate, a benzocyclohexane, and a dioxane. In addition, in a case where the light adjusting layer 11 has a single layer configuration, the light adjusting layer 11 is configured only by a functional layer having the transparent polymer layer and the liquid crystal composition.

[0037] The liquid crystal composition is held in any one of a high-molecular network type, a high-molecular dispersion type, and a capsule type. The high-molecular network type has a transparent high-molecular network having a three-dimensional mesh shape. The meshes are connected to each other, and the liquid crystal composition is held in the spaces of the meshes. The high-molecular network is an example of a transparent high-molecular layer. The high-molecular dispersion type has a plurality of independent spaces in a transparent high-molecular layer, and the liquid crystal composition is held in the spaces dispersed in the high-molecular layer. The capsule type holds the liquid crystal composition in the form of capsules in a transparent high-molecular layer. In addition, the liquid crystal composition can contain, in addition to the above-described liquid crystal molecules, a single base, a dichroic pigment, or the like for forming the transparent high-molecular layer.

[0038] The first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B each have conductivity and are transparent with respect to light in the visible range. The materials of the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B can use known materials. Examples of the materials for forming the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B include indium tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotubes, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), and the like.

[0039] The first transparent support layer 13A and the second transparent support layer 13B each are a substrate that is transparent with respect to light in the visible range. The materials of the first transparent support layer 13A and the second transparent support layer 13B can use known materials. An example of the materials for forming the first transparent support layer 13A and the second transparent support layer 13B can be a synthetic resin or an inorganic compound. Examples of the synthetic resin include polyesters, polyacrylates, polycarbonates, polyolefins, and the like. Examples of the polyesters include polyethylene terephthalate, polynaphthalene glycol ester, and the like. Examples of the polycarbonates include polymethyl methacrylate and the like. Examples of the inorganic compound include silicon dioxide, silicon nitride oxide, silicon nitride, and the like.

[0040] The first terminal portion 50A and the second terminal portion 50B each, for example, have a conductive adhesive layer and a wiring substrate. The conductive adhesive layer is formed of, for example, an anisotropic conductive film (ACF), an anisotropic conductive paste (ACP), an isotropic conductive film (ICF), an isotropic conductive paste (ICP), or the like. The wiring substrate is, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

[0041] Alternatively, the first terminal portion 50A and the second terminal portion 50B each can have a configuration in which a conductive material such as a conductive tape is joined to the external wiring 25 by soldering or the like.

[0042] In the drive region 20, in the light adjusting layer 11, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules changes due to the change in the voltage generated between the two transparent electrode layers 12A, 12B. The change in the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules changes the degree of scattering, the degree of absorption, and the degree of transmission of the visible light entering the light adjusting layer 11. Specifically, when no voltage signal is applied to the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B of the drive region 20, the orientation of the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is irregular. Therefore, the degree of scattering of the light incident on the light adjusting layer 11 becomes large, and the drive region 20 appears to be turbid. That is, when no voltage signal is applied to the light adjusting layer 11, the drive region 20 is not transparent. On the other hand, when a voltage signal is applied to the transparent electrode layers 12A, 12B, and a potential difference of a prescribed value or more is generated between the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented, and the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules becomes an orientation along the direction of the electric field between the transparent electrode layers 12A, 12B. As a result, the light becomes easy to transmit through the light adjusting layer 11, and the drive region 20 becomes transparent.

[0043] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the III-III line of the light adjusting sheet 10 in the boundary region 23 and the drive region 20 and the floating region 22 sandwiching the boundary region 23. Figure 1

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the light adjusting layer 11 has a plurality of partitioning members 15. The partitioning members 15 maintain the distance between the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B to be substantially constant. In the first transparent electrode layer 12A, the drive electrode elements 30 are located in the drive region 20, and the floating electrode elements 31 are located in the floating region 22. In other words, the drive electrode elements 30 and the floating electrode elements 31 are different layer-like bodies arranged along the support surface 130 of the first transparent support layer 13A. Figure 3

[0045] The drive electrode elements 30 and the floating electrode elements 31 are separated by a groove 120. The depth direction of the groove 120 is the thickness direction of the first transparent electrode layer 12A. In the present embodiment, the groove 120 has an opening portion 122 on the light adjusting layer 11 side of the first transparent electrode layer 12A, penetrates the first transparent electrode layer 12A, and extends to about halfway in the thickness direction of the first transparent support layer 13A. By being separated by the groove 120, the drive electrode elements 30 and the floating electrode elements 31 are insulated from each other. The region in which this groove 120 is located is the boundary region 23.

[0046] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the III-III line of the light adjusting sheet 10 in the boundary region 23 and the drive region 20 and the floating region 22 sandwiching the boundary region 23. Figure 3 ​​A cross-sectional configuration of the groove 120 and its periphery is enlarged. The sum of the thickness Tl of the first transparent support layer 13A and the thickness T2 of the first transparent electrode layer 12A, that is, the thickness T3 is 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less. The thickness T2 of the first transparent electrode layer 12A is several tens of nm. Further, the thickness of the light adjusting layer 11 is 0.5 μm or more and 460 μm or less. The thickness of the entire light adjusting sheet 10 is 45 μm or more and 500 μm or less. Further, the thickness of the second transparent support layer 13B can be the same as or different from the thickness of the first transparent support layer 13A. Similarly, the thickness of the second transparent electrode layer 12B can be the same as or different from the thickness of the first transparent electrode layer 12A.

[0047] When the depth of the groove 120 is set to "Dl", the depth of the groove 120 satisfies "T2 < Dl < T3". As described above, the groove 120 has a depth that penetrates the first transparent electrode layer 12A but does not penetrate the first transparent support layer 13A.

[0048] The width Wl of the groove 120 is smaller than the diameter of the spacer 15 (widtli Wl < diameter ). Further, in a case where there is a deviation in the particle diameter of the spacer 15, the diameter of the spacer 15 is the diameter of the spacer 15 of the smallest particle diameter. The diameter of the spacer 15 is larger than the width Wl of the groove 120, and thus the spacer 15 is less likely to enter the groove 120.

[0049] Figure 5 is an SEM photograph including the cross-sectional configuration of the groove 120. The groove 120 shown in the center of the photograph is open at the light adjusting layer 11 side, and thus the transparent polymer layer of the light adjusting layer 11 and the light adjusting material 110 composed of a liquid crystal composition are filled in the groove 120. In a case where the light adjusting material 110 is not filled in the groove 120, light incident from the inside of the groove 120 through the first transparent support layer 13A is reflected by the side surface of the groove 120. In this case, the groove 120 is more conspicuous when viewed from the outside of the light adjusting sheet 10. On the other hand, the refractive index of the material constituting the first transparent support layer 13A is closer to the refractive index of the light adjusting material 110 than the refractive index of air, and thus when the light adjusting material 110 is filled in the groove 120 as in the present embodiment, the reflectance of the side surface of the groove 120 is reduced, and the groove 120 is less likely to be visually recognized from the outside of the light adjusting sheet 10. Further, even if a slight gap 121 (refer to Figure 4 ) remains in the groove 120, as long as most of the volume of the groove 120 is filled with the light adjusting material 110, the groove 120 becomes less conspicuous. In order to obtain the effect that the groove 120 is less likely to be visually recognized from the outside, it is preferable that the filling rate of the light adjusting material 110 with respect to the volume of the groove 120 be 80% or more.

[0050] Further, as described above, the width Wl of the groove 120 is smaller than the diameter of the spacer 15 Therefore, it is possible to avoid the spacer 15 from entering the groove 120 and hindering the light adjusting material 110 from filling the groove 120. Further, since the thickness of the light adjusting layer 11 is 0.5 μm or more, it is easy to fill the light adjusting material 110 at a filling rate of 80% or more. Although the reason is not clear, it is considered that the reason is as follows: by increasing the thickness of the light adjusting layer 11, it is possible to secure a sufficient amount of the light adjusting material 110 around the opening portion 122, and therefore, when a predetermined pressure is applied to the light adjusting layer 11 by the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B, the light adjusting material 110 is easily filled in the groove 120.

[0051] Further, the first transparent electrode layer 12A has a burr 123 formed around the opening portion 122 of the groove 120. The burr 123 is protruded from the periphery of the opening portion 122 toward the light adjusting layer 11 side, which is generated when the groove 120 is formed in the first transparent electrode layer 12A. The burr 123 is adjusted so that the height Hl (see FIG. 6) of the burr 123 is lower than the thickness T4 (see FIG. 6) of the light adjusting layer 11 (Hl < T4) when the groove 120 is formed in the first transparent electrode layer 12A. Figure 4 Figure 4 When the height Hl of the burr 123 exceeds the thickness T4 of the light adjusting layer 11, the first transparent electrode layer 12A comes into contact with the second transparent electrode layer 12B via the light adjusting layer 11, and a short circuit occurs between the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B. Further, the height Hl of the burr 123 can be made to be 0.8 times or less of the thickness T4 of the light adjusting layer 11. In this way, in the case where the light adjusting sheet 10 is attached to a curved surface, or the light adjusting sheet 10 is pressed by mistake, or the like, even if the distance between the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B is reduced, it is possible to sufficiently suppress the short circuit between the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B. Further, the depth Dl of the groove 120 is the length in the thickness direction of the first transparent electrode layer 12A from the surface of the first transparent electrode layer 12A on the light adjusting layer 11 side, and does not include the height of the burr 123.

[0052] [Manufacturing method of light adjusting sheet]

[0053] Next, a manufacturing method of the light adjusting sheet 10 will be described with reference to Figure 6

[0054] First, a film 51A having the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the first transparent support layer 13A, and a film 51B having the second transparent electrode layer 12B and the second transparent support layer 13B are prepared. For the film 51A having the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the first transparent support layer 13A, a cutting machine is brought into contact with the first transparent electrode layer 12A to form the groove 120. A control device connected to the cutting machine causes the cutting machine to act along a pattern input in advance to form the groove 120.​​

[0055] In addition, the groove 120 can be formed using a device other than the cutting plotter. For example, a tool other than the cutting plotter, a laser cutting device can be used to form the groove 120 in the first transparent electrode layer 12A. As the laser cutting device, for example, a laser cutter provided with a CO2 laser can be used.

[0056] Next, a liquid body containing the spacer 15 having divinylbenzene or the like as a main material, and a dispersion medium for dispersing the spacer 15 is applied to the surfaces of the first transparent electrode layer 12A side and the second transparent electrode layer 12B side of the films 51A, 51B. Further, the film in which the spacer 15 is dispersed is heated to remove the dispersion medium. At this time, the spacer 15 can be dispersed in only one of the films.

[0057] Then, a light control material containing a transparent polymer material and a liquid crystal composition is applied to the first transparent electrode layer 12A of the film 51A in which the groove 120 is formed, and the second transparent electrode layer 12B of the film 51B in which the groove 120 is not formed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the light control material can not be filled in the groove 120. Further, with respect to the films 51A, 51B, ultraviolet irradiation is performed in a nitrogen atmosphere to form light control layers 11A, 11B. The pair of films thus obtained are laminated while applying a pressure of a predetermined size, and are bonded. Thus, the light control material is filled in the groove 120. Figure 6

[0058] With respect to the light control sheet 10, either a roll-to-roll system in which various processes are performed on a film transported from a roll on the upstream side and the film is wound on a roll on the downstream side, or a sheet system in which various processes are performed on a film cut to a predetermined size. In either case, the process of forming the groove 120 is performed before the film composed of the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the first transparent support layer 13A, and the film composed of the second transparent electrode layer 12B and the second transparent support layer 13B are bonded via the light control layer 11.

[0059] Next, the corner portion of the second surface 11R of the light control sheet 10 of a predetermined size is cut, and the second transparent support layer 13B and the second transparent electrode layer 12B are peeled off. Further, the light control layer 11 is removed, and the first transparent electrode layer 12A is exposed to form a connection region 24. Similarly, the connection region 24 is formed in the corner portion of the first surface 11F. Then, the first terminal portion 50A and the second terminal portion 50B are formed to connect the external wiring 25 to the connection region 24. Further, the connection region 24 is sealed with an epoxy resin or the like. In addition, the process of bonding the protective layer 44 to the first transparent support layer 13A can be performed after the pair of films are bonded.

[0060] ​Thus, by cutting into the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the first transparent support layer 13A to form the groove 120, the groove 120 can be formed more easily than, for example, a manufacturing method that includes processes such as forming a resist mask required for pattern formation, exposure, development, etching, removal of the resist mask, and cleaning.

[0061] [effect]

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 7 The function of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 7 This schematically illustrates the transparency of the dimming disc 10 when it is not driven, i.e., when no voltage signal is applied to the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B. When the dimming disc 10 is not driven, both the driven region 20 and the non-driven region 21 are opaque. Therefore, the entire surface of the dimming disc 10 appears white and cloudy, and images of text, pictures, etc., formed by the non-driven region 21 cannot be visually confirmed.

[0063] Furthermore, the groove 120 has a depth that penetrates the first transparent electrode layer 12A but not the first transparent support layer 13A, so the groove 120 is not conspicuous regardless of which side of the dimming sheet 10 it is viewed from, either the first surface 11F or the second surface 11R. In addition, by filling the groove 120 with a dimming material, the groove 120 can be further made less visible to the naked eye. This improves the aesthetics of the dimming sheet 10 when displaying patterns.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, when the dimming disc 10 is driven, the driven area 20 becomes transparent while the non-driven area 21 remains opaque. Therefore, only the non-driven area 21 appears white and cloudy, and the images of text, pictures, and other patterns formed by the non-driven area 21 become visually recognizable.

[0065] Thus, according to the dimming sheet 10 of this embodiment, regions with different transmittances are formed within the surface of the dimming sheet 10, and the difference in transmittance among these regions is only apparent when the dimming sheet 10 is driven. Therefore, when the dimming sheet 10 is driven, images of text, pictures, etc., formed by the non-driven regions 21 can be visually confirmed, thereby enabling the decoration of the space where the dimming sheet 10 is located. Furthermore, by switching between driving and not driving the dimming sheet 10, the appearance of the aforementioned images can be switched, thus allowing the decorative state of the space to change dynamically. Therefore, the aesthetic design of the dimming sheet 10 can be improved.

[0066] As explained above, the following advantages can be obtained according to the above embodiments.

[0067] (1) By applying a voltage signal only to one of the driving electrode element 30 and the floating electrode element 31, or by applying different voltage signals to the driving electrode element 30 and the floating electrode element 31, the transmittance of the area where the driving electrode element 30 is located and the area where the floating electrode element 31 is located in the dimming sheet 10 can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to switch between a state where no voltage signal is applied to either the driving electrode element 30 or the floating electrode element 31 and the transmittance of the areas where these electrode elements are located is the same, and a state where the transmittance of the areas where each electrode element is located is different, as described above, thereby improving the appearance design of the dimming sheet 10. Furthermore, since the groove 120 has a depth that penetrates the first transparent electrode layer 12A but not the first transparent support layer 13A, the groove 120 is not conspicuous when the dimming sheet 10 is viewed from the first transparent electrode layer 12A side. Therefore, the aesthetics of the dimming sheet 10 can be improved. Moreover, for example, the groove 120 can be formed more easily than by a method that includes a process of removing the first transparent electrode layer 12A by etching or the like.

[0068] (2) By filling at least a portion of the dimming layer 11 into the groove 120, the groove 120 is not easily visible when viewed from the side of the first transparent support layer 13A or the side of the second transparent support layer 13B.

[0069] (3) By making the filling rate of the dimming material in the groove 120 80% or more, the groove 120 is less likely to be visually detected.

[0070] (4) By making the inner diameter of the opening 122 of the groove 120 smaller than the diameter of the isolator 15, it is possible to suppress the isolator 15 from entering the groove 120. Therefore, the filling of the dimming layer 11 into the groove 120 is not hindered by the isolator 15 entering the groove 120.

[0071] (5) The height of the flash 123 around the opening 122 of the groove 120 is less than the thickness of the dimming layer 11, thus preventing the leading edge of the flash 123 formed on the first transparent electrode layer 12A from contacting the second transparent electrode layer 12B via the dimming layer 11. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a short circuit between the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the second transparent electrode layer 12B.

[0072] (6) The groove 120 has a closed frame shape that surrounds the floating electrode element 31. As such, the floating electrode element 31 can be divided into sections if it is a closed frame shape, thus reducing the layout restrictions of the floating electrode element 31.

[0073] [Variation Example]

[0074] The above-described embodiments can be implemented by modification as follows. Furthermore, the following variations can also be implemented in combination.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the groove 120 has a closed frame shape surrounding the floating electrode element 31. Alternatively, or based on this, the groove 120 may not have a closed frame shape surrounding the floating electrode element 31, provided it extends along the support surface 130 of the first transparent support layer 13A. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, viewed from a position opposite to the first surface 11F, the boundary region 23 and the groove 120 extend from the starting point at the end 100 of the dimming plate 10 along the outer periphery of the floating region 22 and the floating electrode element 31 to the end point at the end 100 of the dimming plate 10. In this case, the ends of the floating region 22 and the floating electrode element 31 are located at the end 100 of the dimming plate 10. Furthermore, in Figure 8 In the middle, the rectangular dimming plate 10 Figure 8 The lower edge is designated as end 100, but the end 100 that serves as the starting and ending point of the boundary region 23 and the groove 120 can also be any one of the upper edge, the left edge, and the right edge, or any number of edges.

[0076] • In the above embodiment, the dimming sheet 10 is of the ordinary type, but it can also be of the reverse type, which allows incident light to pass through when no voltage signal is applied, thereby increasing light transmittance, and scatters incident light when a voltage signal is applied, thereby decreasing light transmittance.

[0077] Figure 9 An example of a reverse-type dimming disc 10 is shown. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the dimming layer 11 of the reverse-type dimming film 10 has a multilayer structure, comprising a functional layer 111 having a transparent polymer layer and a liquid crystal composition, a first alignment layer 112, and a second alignment layer 113. The first alignment layer 112 and the second alignment layer 113 constitute the dimming layer 11. The first alignment layer 112 is located between the functional layer 111 and the first transparent electrode layer 12A, and is in contact with these layers. The second alignment layer 113 is located between the functional layer 111 and the second transparent electrode layer 12B, and is in contact with these layers.

[0078] The first alignment layer 112 and the second alignment layer 113 are, for example, vertical alignment films or horizontal alignment films. The vertical alignment film aligns the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules along the thickness direction of the dimming layer 11. The horizontal alignment film aligns the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules along a direction approximately orthogonal to the thickness direction of the dimming layer 11. Thus, the first alignment layer 112 and the second alignment layer 113 restrict the orientation of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules contained in the dimming layer 11.

[0079] The material used to form each of the first alignment layer 112 and the second alignment layer 113 is an organic compound, an inorganic compound, or a mixture thereof. The organic compound is, for example, a polyimide, a polyamide, a polyvinyl alcohol, a cyanide, or the like. The inorganic compound is, for example, a silicon oxide, a zirconium oxide, or the like. In addition, the material used to form each of the first alignment layer 112 and the second alignment layer 113 can also be silicon. Silicon is a compound having an inorganic portion and an organic portion.

[0080] The groove 120 has an opening portion 122 on the functional layer 111 side in the first alignment layer 112, penetrates the first alignment layer 112 and the first transparent electrode layer 12A without penetrating the first transparent support layer 13A. That is, the depth of the groove 120 is smaller than the sum of the thickness of the first alignment layer 112, the thickness of the first transparent electrode layer 12A, and the thickness of the first transparent support layer 13A. A portion of the functional layer 111 is filled in the groove 120.

[0081] In the case where the light control sheet 10 is provided with the first alignment layer 112 and the second alignment layer 113, in the drive region 20, when no voltage signal is applied to the transparent electrode layers 12A, 12B, the orientation of the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules becomes an orientation along the thickness direction of the light control layer 11. Therefore, the drive region 20 is transparent. On the other hand, in the drive region 20, when a voltage signal is applied to the transparent electrode layers 12A, 12B, the orientation of the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules becomes an orientation intersecting the thickness direction of the light control layer 11. Therefore, the drive region 20 appears turbid and becomes non-transparent. In the case where the light control sheet 10 is provided with the first alignment layer 112 and the second alignment layer 113, in the float region 22 and the boundary region 23, the orientation of the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules always becomes an orientation along the thickness direction of the light control layer 11, and therefore the non-drive region 21 is always transparent.

[0082] Therefore, at the non-drive of the light control sheet 10, both the drive region 20 and the non-drive region 21 are transparent, and the image of the characters, pictures, or the like constituted by the non-drive region 21 cannot be visually confirmed. On the other hand, at the drive of the light control sheet 10, the drive region 20 becomes non-transparent while the non-drive region 21 is transparent, and therefore the image of the characters, pictures, or the like constituted by the non-drive region 21 can be visually confirmed.

[0083] Thus, even in the case where the light control sheet 10 is provided with the first alignment layer 112 and the second alignment layer 113, regions having different light transmittances from each other are formed in the plane of the light control sheet 10, and the difference in the light transmittances of these regions is only exhibited at the drive of the light control sheet 10. Therefore, an improvement in the design property of the light control sheet 10 can be achieved.

[0084] In addition, in the above-described mode, the groove 120 penetrates the first alignment layer 112, but the first alignment layer 112 can be formed after the groove 120 is formed in the laminate composed of the first transparent electrode layer 12A and the first transparent support layer 13A. In this case, the first alignment layer 112 is formed so as to follow the bottom surface and the side surface of the groove 120. In this way, the groove 120 is less likely to be conspicuous when viewed from the outside.

[0085] • In the above-described embodiment, a voltage signal is applied to the driving electrode element 30 as the first electrode element, and no voltage signal is applied to the floating electrode element 31 as the second electrode element. Instead of this, a voltage signal can be applied to each of the first electrode element and the second electrode element. In this case, a wiring for applying a voltage signal to the second electrode element is connected to the end portion of the second electrode element. The terminal portion to which the first electrode element is connected and the terminal portion to which the second electrode element is connected are different terminal portions independent of the voltage signal. As described above, if the second electrode element is located at the end portion of the light control sheet 10, it is easy to connect the wiring to the second electrode element.

[0086] For example, the first region in which the first electrode element is located is switched between transparent and opaque by switching the application state of a voltage signal to the first electrode element. Also, the second region in which the second electrode element is located is switched between transparent and opaque independently of the first region by switching the application state of a voltage signal to the second electrode element. According to this configuration, four states, in which both the first region and the second region are opaque, in which the first region is opaque and the second region is transparent, in which the first region is transparent and the second region is opaque, and in which both the first region and the second region are opaque, can be switched. Therefore, the light control sheet 10 can change the decoration state of a space variously, and thus further improvement of the design property of the light control sheet 10 can be achieved.

[0087] • The transmittance of at least one of the first region and the second region can also be controlled to be the transmittance corresponding to between transparent and opaque. In the light control sheet 10 provided with the light control layer 11 including the liquid crystal composition, the transmittance of the light control sheet 10 gradually changes with the change in the potential difference between the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B, in the case where the potential difference is within a prescribed range. Therefore, in the first region or the second region, by controlling the potential difference between the transparent electrode layers 12A and 12B to be a value between the potential difference at which the region becomes transparent and the potential difference at which the region becomes opaque, the region can be controlled to be translucent having the transmittance between transparent and opaque.

[0088] Specifically, for example, by switching the application state of the voltage signal to the first electrode element, thereby switching the first region to be transparent or opaque, by switching the application state of the voltage signal to the second electrode element, thereby switching the second region to be translucent or opaque. When the first region is transparent, the second region is controlled to be translucent. According to this configuration, it is possible to switch to a state in which both the first region and the second region are opaque, and a state in which the first region is opaque and the second region is translucent. Thus, it is also possible to achieve an improvement in the designability of the light control sheet 10.

Claims

1. A light control sheet comprising: a first transparent electrode layer; a second transparent electrode layer; a light control layer between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer; a first transparent support layer on the opposite side of the first transparent electrode layer from the light control layer and having a support surface that supports the first transparent electrode layer; and a second transparent support layer on the opposite side of the second transparent electrode layer from the light control layer, wherein the first transparent electrode layer includes a first electrode element and a second electrode element, the first electrode element and the second electrode element are different layers arranged along the support surface and are electrically insulated from each other by a groove extending along the support surface, the depth direction of the groove is the thickness direction of the first transparent electrode layer, the groove has a depth that penetrates the first transparent electrode layer but does not penetrate the first transparent support layer, and a portion of the groove that extends into the first transparent support layer is filled with a light control material that constitutes the light control layer.

2. The light control sheet according to claim 1, wherein the groove has an opening on the side of the first transparent electrode layer from the light control layer, and at least a portion of the groove is filled with a portion of the light control material that constitutes the light control layer.

3. The light control sheet according to claim 2, wherein the filling rate of the light control material into the groove is 80% or more.

4. The light control sheet according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a partition is provided in the light control layer, and the width of the groove is smaller than the diameter of the partition.

5. The light control sheet according to claim 1, wherein the groove has an opening on the side of the first transparent electrode layer from the light control layer, and the height of a burr present around the opening of the groove is smaller than the thickness of the light control layer.

6. The light control sheet according to claim 1, wherein the groove has a closed frame shape that surrounds the second electrode element.

7. A method of manufacturing a light control sheet, comprising: a process of cutting into a first transparent electrode layer and a first transparent support layer from the side of the first transparent electrode layer for a laminate including the first transparent support layer and the first transparent electrode layer supported by the first transparent support layer, forming a groove having a depth that penetrates the first transparent electrode layer but does not penetrate the first transparent support layer, and forming a first electrode element and a second electrode element in the first transparent electrode layer by the groove; a process of providing a light control layer between the laminate having the groove and a laminate including a second transparent support layer and a second transparent electrode layer supported by the second transparent support layer; and a process of filling a light control material that constitutes the light control layer into a portion of the groove that extends into the first transparent support layer. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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